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Everything you need to know about Nintendo’s Digital Event (North American stream)

The day is finally here: a new Nintendo Direct! This coverage reflects the information on the North American stream of the event, but there will be links to both the North American and European streams at the bottom.

Today’s Nintendo Direct focused on what is coming out for the Wii U and 3DS from now through early 2016.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (Wii U)

The rumours are, unsurprisingly, true. Coming on March 4 is the HD remaster of Twilight Princess. The game is compatible with Amiibos features characters from The Legend of Zelda series. There will also be a new Amiibo released, Wolf Link. Wolf Link will also carry data from Twilight Princess HD to a new Zelda game. Speaking of which, the promise is that Nintendo is hard at work on said new game so that it lives up to expectations.

The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes (3DS)

There’s an update coming to Tri Force Heroes on December 2. It includes the Den of Trials, which is an extra 30 stages.

Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon (3DS)

Pokemon! This game looks like everything I love in games got crammed into one, and that’s amazing. You get to become one of 20 different Pokemon. Live in their world, explore their world, and solve the mystery of why Pokemon are turning to stone. Oh, and you can meet all 720 Pokemon that have been created to date. In this turn-based game, strategy is key. Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon launches November 20. A free 3DS theme will be included with the game for a limited time.

Splatoon (Wii U)

Of course, Splatoon is getting some more free updates. There will be new stages and equipment added. The update available now includes the Mahi-Mahi Resort stage, a poolside resort where the water levels drop in the second half. The update available at 6 p.m. PST tomorrow includes Museum D’Alfonsino, a stage with five moving obstacles that features “famous” works of art. There is a new website, SplatNet, to track player stats.

Super Mario Maker (Wii U)

As of right now, there are over 3.3 million courses available to play on Super Mario Maker. To make navigating them easier, Nintendo has introduced the Portal. It’s a website that offers a more robust search engine than what’s available in-game. It also allows players to tag levels on the go and access them at home.

Animal Crossing Amiibo Festival (Wii U)

Available tomorrow, Animal Crossing Amiibo Festival is essentially a board game populated by your favourite Animal Crossing characters. Each game lasts a month (30 days), with each play being a new day. The player with the most happy points at the end wins. The game includes an Animal Crossing quiz that looks all kinds of awesome: players compete to see who knows the most about characters in the series. At launch, a bundle will be available with Isabel and Digby Amiibos. There will be five other Amiibos available at launch. Amiibo cards will unlock extra game modes.

Mario Tennis Ultra Smash (Wii U)

This bit of the Nintendo Direct featured footage from the upcoming Mario Tennis game. Mega Battle mode is when Toad will randomly toss in giant mushrooms, making characters grow to ridiculous sizes. Simple mode offers a more “traditional” approach to tennis. The game features online multiplayer matches and Amiibo compatibility (tap an Amiibo and they become your partner). Mario Tennis Ultra Smash is out November 20.

Xenoblade Chronicles X (Wii U)

On December 4, North America finally gets its hands on Xenoblade Chronicles X, an open world game with a japanese combat system. Zelda and Metroid fans should like it. Four data packs can be downloaded to speed up gameplay for physical copies of the game; digital versions already include these packs. The packs and the digital version can be preloaded onto consoles now.

3DS Nintendo Badge Arcade (3DS)

As far as I’m concerned this game is the basis of all evil, but regardless I shall tell you about it briefly. Nintendo Badge Arcade is essentially a crane game where you can win items to decorate your 3DS home screen. The first five tries are free.

Pokemon Picross (3DS)

I feel that it is appropriate to share my exact notes on this game. They are as follow:

POKEMON PICROSS OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG
OMG OMG OMG OMG
OMG

Pokemon Picross is free-to-start (but will get all my spare cash) and will be available in early December.

SteamWorld Heist (Wii U, 3DS)

SteamWorld Heist looks like space pirates. It’s out Holiday 2015.

FAST Racing Neo (Wii U)

If you need a really fast racing game in your life, FAST Racing Neo should deliver. This game will drop in early December.

Typoman (Wii U)

Typoman launches November 19. For more information, see what I had to say about it a few months ago here.

New Wii U bundle, Amiibos coming soon

Beginning on Black Friday a new Wii U bundle will be available, including Super Smash Bros. and Splatoon. Early in the new year a handful on Amiibos will be released.

Pokken Tournament (Wii U)

Pokemon + Tekken + Pokken. Enough said. There will be a first production run bonus of Shadow Metwo, who can be used right away instead of having to be earned in-game. Pokken Tournament is set to be released in the spring.

StarFox Zero (Wii U)

Remember the blurry screen in the last Nintendo Direct? This is what it was hiding! Team StarFox reunites to save the galaxy. Vehicles are critical: Arwing has high levels of maneuverability and can transform into a two-legged walking form, Landmaster tank is a ground vehicle that can transform into a flying form, and the stealthy Gyrowing has a helper robot. StarFox Zero uses both the television screen and the gamepad screen, with the TV showing the craft and the gamepad showing the view from the cockpit. Tilting gamepad allows to aim and shoot in a different direction from where you’re flying. The game has a new release date: April 22, 2016.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam (3DS)

There are no words for my excitement regarding this game. I love Paper Mario. I love Mario & Luigi. What could be better than smashing them together into one awesome game?! Mario and Luigi team up with Paper Mario to explore the Mushroom Kingdom. There are trio actions, trio attacks, and papercraft battles. Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam is coming wonderfully soon, on January 22.

Final Fantasy Explorers (3DS)

Final Fantasy Explorers reminds me more of Fantasy Life than it does Final Fantasy, but that’s more than okay. Explore an island filled with mythical crystals while learning and swapping between 20 different professions. You can mix armour and outfits, with many being recognizable from the Final Fantasy series. The game can be played alone but becomes easier if you connect with up to three friends. All Japanese DLC will be included for free when the game launches on January 26.

Fire Emblem Fates (3DS)

Fire Emblem Fates is more of a trio of games than one game. There will be two versions to chose from, Birthright and Conquest. Each is a complete game with its own story, but each story represents a side of one conflict. If you buy one, you can get the other via download at a reduced cost. A third story path, Revelation, will soon be made available as an in-game add-on in either Birthright or Conquest. Want it all? Get Fire Emblem Fates Special Edition: it includes all 3 games, an artbook, and a 3DS XL pouch. Fire Emblem Fates will be released February 19 with more DLC on the way later on (7 maps, the first one will be free).

Mega Man Legacy Collection (3DS)

It’s a collection of the first 6 Mega Man games that also includes 50 stages of remixed gameplay areas. There are 11 exclusive challenges that can be unlocked by Mega Man or gold Mega Man Amiibo (purchased in a limited edition bundle with the game).

Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow (3DS)

Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow are being released as digital downloads on the 3DS. The game is preserved and the gamelink cable becomes a digital signal. All three will be available on February 27, the anniversary of the original Pokemon for Gameboy launch.

Hyrule Warrior Legends (3DS)

Hyrule Warriors makes its 3DS debut on March 26. It will feature the first female Link (Linkle, as revealed last year in a Hyrule Warriors art book) whose signature move is a spin kick. A home menu theme will be included with the game for a limited time

More 3DS games are on the way

Bravely Second: End Layer is coming spring 2016. Dragon Quest VII is coming in early summer. Dragon Quest VIII will also be out sometime in 2016.

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